Reply to: Final stage, what to expect?

[Scrag Meister]

Congratulations

So you'll be in the smoke for the Christmas drinks on the 9th December?

Which big financial, City or Wharf? p.m. me if you prefer.

[youwhut]

Thanks everyone for the advice.

I received more of a technical grilling than expected. The perm question did crop up and I dodged the bullet by not being completely negative.

Anyway, rate agreed and I start a week on Monday.

[Scrag Meister]

My main interview for my first ever contract was a 3 stage, 45 mins per stage affair.

1. Business Manager, Explain role, Check business knowledge.
2. Technical Manager, Technical interview
3. Misc team bod, Personality fit

Keep us posted on how you do.

[oliverson]

Sorry to say but this is far from a done deal, especially in the current climate.

Even if the HR interview goes well you've still got some way to go before you actually start the contract.

Don't want to p155 on your bonfire but expect it not to come off. If it does come off it's a bonus.

[Craic]

It's a home run. He only wants to have a look at you to make sure your face fits.

[fullyautomatix]

At this stage you are already "selected" but they will try and see if you will fit in their culture. So make sure you are presentable and do not ask awkward questions such as is there a coffee machine, do we get reimbured expenses, can I work from home fridays ? etc etc.

I have seen really talented guys rejected at this stage because something they said rang alarm bells but have seen some really poor guys pass it through just because they appeared really chilled out at the interview.

[SeekingIT]

Let Us Know!!

Please let us konw how you got on......

And Good Luck..........

[ddaft]

As others have said, with HR there is a very good chance of the 'would you ever consider going perm' question coming up. They (and some PMs) like the idea that you may be open to conversion one day so I've always said to them that I would never rule it out in the future but happy contracting at the moment and its worked for me. Once you are in the door you can fend them off pretty easily (usually take home salary comparisons are enough)!

[Jeebo72]

I'd say half my contracts in the last 20-odd years have been with "bigg'n's in the finance sector in London". Never once had an HR interview.

I be prepared for the "Now, let's talk about your transition to permanent..." talk. And the rejection when you say, "Well, I'd prefer to stay contract for the foreseeable future.."

Then again, might just be a formality.

Nomadd

Yip, and never seen an HR person either. The only time I did this was as a graduate. Hiring manager said I was in, HR said no way. And he had no choice in the matter! Was at IBM. Beware of HR I say!

[nomadd]

Now it is a final stage with a very senior person and HR type. The company is a bigg'n in the finance sector in London.

I'd say half my contracts in the last 20-odd years have been with "bigg'n's in the finance sector in London". Never once had an HR interview.

I be prepared for the "Now, let's talk about your transition to permanent..." talk. And the rejection when you say, "Well, I'd prefer to stay contract for the foreseeable future.."

Then again, might just be a formality.

Nomadd

[Scrag Meister]

Best advice, is get there on time, firm handshake and a big smile, I reckon they'll have made up their minds by that point.

HTH

WAMS

Smart.
Punctual.
Firm handshake, limp wristed just doesn't cut it.
Confidence.
Know your stuff.
Know their stuff.


GL

[Antman]

I honestly wouldn't know what to advise. Sometimes I feel going through the whole selection process is a bit like pulling birds (in a previous life now). Mixing my metaphors now, if you get a bite, you don't really know what it is they like about you as opposed to the others.

Best advice, is get there on time, firm handshake and a big smile, I reckon they'll have made up their minds by that point.

HTH

[malvolio]

@malvolio

Yep, thank you for all of that. You have reminded me to prepare a few decent questions so I will get on to that.

Forgot to mention, be prepared for a question about your best success and your worst failure...

[youwhut]

@malvolio

Yep, thank you for all of that. You have reminded me to prepare a few decent questions so I will get on to that.

[youwhut]

@northernladuk

I had a feeling it was like that but did not want to be too relaxed about the whole thing. I will still do a bit a good amount of prep.

Must admit, I am buzzing about the whole thing. Worked my arse off the past few years to get this kind of work.

Nice one.